Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Senior Johnny Grann puts up a shot at the three-point line. Grann put up eight three-pointers in the Region 4 Tournament against North Star on Monday, March 8.
The New Rockford-Sheyenne Rockets hosted the North Star Bearcats in the first round of the Region 4 Tournament on Monday, March 8. The Bearcats defeated the Rockets in double overtime with a score of 72-67.
The Bearcats came out of the gates strong and determined to beat the Rockets. Freshman Dane Hagler put up two three-pointers in the first quarter along with junior Thomas Nikolaisen, who put up one three-pointer. Johnny Grann was able to put in a three-pointer for the Rockets. Evan Ulrich drove to the basket, made his shot, and was sent to the line to put in two free throws. Shortly after, he drained another field goal. The Rockets were down 13-12 after the first quarter.
Nikolaisen came back in the second quarter with another three-pointer. Drew Nichols and Ben Wagenman also put in a three-pointer each. Wagenman was able to put in a field goal. Grann shot two three-pointers and a field goal for the Rockets. Ulrich put in another two field goals and was sent to the line to put in a free throw. The Rockets were now ahead of the Bearcats 27-26 after the first half.
But the Bearcats weren't going to give up that easily. The Bearcats came back in the third quarter on fire. Nikolaisen put in three more three-pointers. Hayden Hagler put in three field goals, and Dane Hagler put in one field goal and was sent to the line for a bonus free throw. He was then fouled again and was sent to the line to make another free throw. Grann put in two field goals and a three-pointer in the third quarter. Ulrich was sent to the line twice to put in four free throws, but it wasn't enough to keep up with the Bearcats. The Bearcats had a nine-point lead on the Rockets after the third quarter.
Fourth quarter. Time for the Rockets to shine. Nick Berglund drove to the basket, made his shot and was sent to the line to put in a free throw. He put in another field goal later on. Kaden Jensen stole the ball and drove to the basket to drain a field goal. Koven Walford and Grann also put in a field goal each. The Bearcats were able to bring in four points in the fourth quarter. Nikolaisen and Dane Hagler both put in a field goal each. The fourth quarter came to an end with the Bearcats and the Rockets tied at 51-51.
Four minutes of overtime began. Grann put in two three-pointers and Ulrich put in a field goal for the Rockets. The North Star Bearcats brought in eight points in the first overtime quarter. Ben Wagenman put in a three-pointer, Nikolaisen drained a field goal, Hayden Hagler put in two free throws and Dane Hagler put in one free throw. The Rockets and Bearcats were now tied 59-59 at the buzzer.
Another four minutes added to the clock. Grann put in another two three-pointers and Ulrich put in another field goal. But it wasn't enough. Wagenman put up another three-pointer. Hayden Hagler put in another two field goals along with Dane Hagler, who put in one field goal. The Rockets began to foul and sent Wagenman and Parker Simon both to the line to put in two free throws each. The Bearcats had finally defeated the Rockets 72-67 in the double overtime.
Grann led the Rockets with 32 total points. Ulrich was also in double digits with 21 points. For the Bearcats, Nikolaisen held the most points with 19. Also in double digits for the Bearcats were Dane Hagler with 17 points, Hayden Hagler with 14 points and Ben Wagenman with 13 points.
Congrats to the Rockets on their 2020-2021 basketball season. Congrats to the five seniors, Johnny Grann, Hunter Johnson, Evan Ulrich, Koven Walford and Stephen Merrick on a great year and good luck in the future.
Region 4 Boys' Basketball Tournament
North Star 72, NR-S 67
NR-S 12 15 11 13 16 67
North Star 13 13 21 4 21 72
NR-S: Johnny Grann 32, Evan Ulrich 21, Nick Berglund 7, Kaden Jensen 5, Koven Walford 2. Totals: 24 FG, 11-15 FT, 13 fouls. Three pointers: Grann 8.
North Star: Thomas Nikolaisen 19, Dane Hagler 17, Hayden Hagler 14, Ben Wagenman 13, Drew Nichols 5, Parker Simon 2, Caleb Svir 2. Totals: 26 FG, 9-14 FT, 14 fouls. Three pointers: Nikolaisen 5, Wagenman 3, D. Hagler 2, Nichols 1.
